PROGRAM NOTES

GROSSE SONATE G-dur Op. 37 (1878) by Pyotr Ilich Tschaikowsky 1840-1893

The work was composed for piano solo and dedicated to Karl Klindworth, Tschaikowsky's colleague at the Moscow Conservatory. During the Composer's career as its Professot of Harmony, Klindworth chaired its Piano department. Its four movements are marked:

I. Moderato e risoluto

II. Andante non troppo quasi moderato

III. SCHERZO. Allegro giocoso

IV. Allegro vivace

In his letters to his patroness Von Meck, Tchaikovsky mentioned that, because he was aware of his limitations as a pianist, he sought out a virtuoso for advice on pianistic & technical matters during the composition of his first piano concerto. His closest friends, employers at the Russian Conservatories were the Rubibsteins, Nicholas & Anton, both composers & piano virtuosi.